If youve been getting a nostalgic itch for a little 8-bit gaming, Archive Entertainment may have just what youre looking for. The indie developer has announced a new retro-themed sandbox project known as 8BitMMO, an 8bit-style, 2D online multiplayer game that features a giant sandbox that allows players to build homes, a castle and even engage in a little PvP.

The project was created by Archive Entertainment, a one-man indie developer made up of former Microsoft Producer Robby Zinchak. 8BitMMO has been in development since 2001 and has undergone a number of re-writes and art style changes. 8BitMMO currently allows up to 250 players to occupy a server at the same time to build and explore solo or in a group.

Visit the 8BitMMO website to learn more. Check out the 8BitMMO trailer after the break.

Announcing 8BitMMO, an indie construction sandbox video game

SEATTLE, WA  March 16, 2012  A video game development project named '8BitMMO' was publicly announced today. 8BitMMO is a free online videogame where up to 250 concurrently connected players can shape the world block by block. The game's engine allows for a wide variety of player made buildings. Players can build solo, or group up and create their own towns with friends for cooperative building projects. In either case, a grief protection system protects the player's creations from unwanted interference. The game is humorous in tone, with amusing quests and unusual enemies. There is also basic Player vs Player and Player vs Environment combat.

"I am amazed with the creations players are coming up with," said the game's developer Robby Zinchak of Archive Entertainment. "People are creating some genuinely cool architecture - everything from towering windmills to sports arenas. One player even made a huge statue of a flying dragon. The community is very inventive, and I can't wait to see what they'll come up with next!"

The project was first started in 2001, but underwent multiple total-rewrites and art style changes. While the game is still currently in ongoing development, it is fully playable on the project's website. As the project is Java based, it can be easily run on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Future updates to the game are planned to introduce more features and content.

Archive Entertainment is a one-man indie developer, Robby Zinchak. Previously a Producer at Microsoft, he has also led game creation at Capcom and Midway, producing titles such as Final Fight: Double Impact, and FLOCK!. He is now working full time on 8BitMMO from his home in Seattle. Robby has a long history with games: he wrote his first one 17 years ago on a cutting edge 16-color PC. Since then, he has continued to create games while retaining that same pioneering spirit.

About The Author

Stacy "Martuk" Jones was a long-time news editor and community manager for many of our previous game sites, such as Age of Conan. Stacy has since moved on to become a masked super hero, battling demons in another dimension.